$7,500/group

United States
circa 1945

Unit furniture group with a California mid-century vibe, possibly a DIY project, comprising four boxes, all of Douglas fir plywood, sitting atop a plinth base, presented here n a skyscraper configuration—five pieces in all. Three of the boxes are open on one side and retain original blue/gray paint inside; the fourth and largest box has sliding doors of perforated masonite in a rust color and linear textured masonite in black. Can be used as shown or separated as storage boxes, side tables, or seating elements. An example of early postwar (or even wartime) organic design, characterized by humble materials, flexibility in use, portability, and simplification of ornament, relying on the graining of the plywood, the Corbusier-inspired color inside the boxes, and the varying textures and colors of the sliding doors for graphic effect. Two of the open boxes measure 15” x 15” x D18”; the third open box measures 15” x 17” x 18”. The largest box measures 30” x 15” x D18”.That the grouping naturally composes itself into a skyscraper configuration, a la Paul Frankl, suggests a design date proximate to the early 1940’s, when American design was shifting gears from the Machine Age into the mid-century. The Bellaire Van & Storage label only further locates the design in a 1940’s Brown-Saltman/Douglas fir zeitgeist (note that Paul Frankl contributed designs to Brown-Saltman in this period). The large box with the sliding doors originally housed a hi-fi unit with turntable and speaker, but the interior is now cleared out. Measurements below are overall.

Condition
Good structural condition. The external surfaces have been lightly refurbished but still show areas of wear, superficial scratches, and variegation consistent with age and use. The interiors have been cleaned.

Measurements
Height: 48.5 in.
Width/length: 30 in.
Depth: 18 in.

Specifications
Number of items: 1 grouping of 5 pieces
Materials/techniques: Douglas fir plywood, wood, perforated and textured fiberboard (Masonite).